closest-point analysis
nounUK /ˈkləʊsɪst pɔɪnt əˈnæləsɪs/
US /ˈkloʊsɪst pɔɪnt əˈnæləsɪs/
A way to find the nearest thing to a place or point.
The map used closest-point analysis to show the nearest park to our house.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In math, finding the point on a shape that is nearest to another point.
The student used closest-point analysis to find the shortest line from the dot to the circle.
3. In computer mapping, a tool that finds the nearest place of a certain kind.
Closest-point analysis helped the app list the closest bus stops.
4. In data study, a method to group things by how near they are to each other.
Closest-point analysis grouped the stars that were nearest to one another.